[Apostle Heber J. Grant] Had a chat this morning with Gusta and she says that she fears in case we were to get a large amount of money that it would do the children no good. She would prefer to live as we do rather than to have anything happen that would not be for the best. I am glad that she feels this way.

[Apostle Wilford Woodruff] 31 Dec 1859 This is the last day of the Year and we are approaching 1860, a year which has been looked for with much interest since I was a Boy. In my own mind I do not suppose that it will be much different From the years which will follow. We are standing in the midst of a Generation which is full of interesting Events. We are approaching Revolutions & Changes which will shake kingdoms, Thrones & Republics, from the [Earth?] to circumference and lay them in the dust and open the way for the Esstablishment of the kingdom of God and of more freedom and liberty than now Exists upon Earth. The signs of the times show that 1860 may be the Commencement of the desolution of the American Union and of Bloody European wars. But the Lord will guide the destiny of the world in such a manner that his will will be done and the Prophets Fulfilled.

[Brigham Young] He also spoke of the relation we held to our Father in Heaven and to our Mother, the Queen. If we are faithful we will come in their presence and learn of our first estate. He also spoke of the children of Promise, what they were, that they were very scarce, there is not two or three at present but we should know more about it when the temple was completed. ... Hence, he said a man who cannot preside over a wife and children, much more over a quorum. Therefore, it was our indispensible duty to set ourselves in order that we might become as saviors unto the children of men, for we were placed in high and responsible positions. ... If we were faithful it would be but a short time before we could come up in the same places that the Twelve are and so on until we were very great men, so therefore, we must treasure up knowledge while it is a good time. He also said that in order for a man to save his dead friends he would have to go through the same ordinances to save himself. Hence, it was a great thing to come up in such a responsible place. In the work for the dead the man would act as proxy for the male friends and his wife for the females, by so doing they became a king and queen. He concluded that we had done well in building a house to meet in and God would bless us. -- Nauvoo, Illinois

Consideration was given to the recent pamphlet issued by Musser and Broadbent amplifying one issued a few months ago. The pamphlet directly endorsed polygamy and recommended that people practice it. As this is a criminal offense, it was suggested that proper evidence be obtained and submitted to the post office authorities.

[Source: First Presidency, Meeting with Presiding Bishopric, Minutes, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1910-1951, Privately Published, Salt Lake City, Utah 2010]

Luke Johnson publishes his history "History of Luke Johnson," Millennial Star 26 (December 31, 1864). It is the ultimate source for the castration story:

In the fall of [sic, should be spring of 1832], while Joseph was yet at my father's [John Johnson], a mob of forty or fifty came to his house, a few entered his room in the middle of the night, and Carnot Mason dragged Joseph out of bed by the hair of his head; he was then seized by as many as could get hold of him, and taken about forty rods from the house, stretched on a board, and tantalized in the most insulting and brutal manner; they tore off the few night clothes that he had on, for the purpose of emasculating him, and had Dr. Dennison there to perform the operation; but when the Dr. saw the Prophet stripped and stretched on the plank, his heart failed him, and he refused to operate.

[David O. McKay diary, Dec. 31, 1954] Held a consultation with Elder Richard L. Evans of the Council of the Twelve. We considered the method of presenting the Temple ceremony, having in mind the audience sitting in the same room instead of going to three different rooms.

[Apostle Brigham Young Jr.] Meeting of Pres[idency]. & 12 Bishoprick. Question shall we when bro[ugh]t. to the or before the Court promise to obey the law. Unanimous decision that we must acknowledge its suprem[ac]y. Brethren must not have children born to them by their wives here in this state. ...

[Apostle Rudger Clawson] 2 p.m. Continuation of the meeting of the brethren on Friday. The principal topic of discussion was the attitude of the brethren when arrested and found guilty of unlawful cohabitation. Would it be proper for them to promise to obey the law—or rather express their intention to do so?

President Snow said, he did not see how we could very well do otherwise, in order to satisfy the honorable people of the nation, who are willing to send their sons into battle for the defense of our country, and when they fall in battle it is looked upon as an honor. They are willing to make this sacrifice for their country. They look upon the United States as the greatest nation on the earth and feel that its laws are supreme—and that when it comes to a question of law, the Latter-day Saints should bow. It is necessary sometimes for the saints to make sacrifices for the good of their fellowmen, that the honorable ones of the earth perchance may be saved. This is one of those times. There are, he said, about 300 plural wives among the saints who are bearing children, as against the body of the church—say 350,000—who are not in polygamy. These 300 women for the good of the nation and of the church should be willing for a time to refrain from having children. They would lose nothing

by it, for the Lord would reward them abundantly.

Though no formal vote was taken the brethren generally seemed to endorse the views of President Snow. Meeting adjourned sine die.

Colonel Steptoe, who had been offered the governorship of Utah by Pres. Pierce but declined, along with leading officials and business men of SLC signed a petition and sent it to Washington recommending Pres. Pierce reappoint Brigham Young as Governor of Utah Territory.

[Wilford Woodruff] ... Joseph Smith visited me a great deal after his death, and taught me many important principles. The last time he visited me was going on my last mission to preside in England. My companions were Brother Leonard W. Hardy, Brother Milton Holmes, Brother Dan Jones, and another brother, and my wife and two other women. ...

We had been traveling three days and nights in a heavy gale, and were being driven backwards. Finally I asked my companions to come into the cabin with me, and I told them to pray that the Lord would change the wind. I had no fears of being lost; but I did not like the idea of being driven back to New York, as I wanted to go on my journey. We all offered the same prayer, both men and women; and when we got through we stepped on to the deck and in less than a minute it was as though a man had taken a sword and cut that gale through, and you might have thrown a muslin handkerchief out and it would not have moved it.

... Joseph and Hyrum visited me, and the Prophet laid before me a great many things. Among other things, he told me to get the Spirit of God; that all of us needed it. He also told me what the Twelve Apostles would be called to go through on the earth before the coming of the Son of Man, and what the reward of their labors would be; but all that was taken from me, for some reason. Nevertheless I know it was most glorious, although much would be required at our hands.

Joseph Smith continued visiting myself and others up to a certain time, and then it stopped. The last time I saw him was in heaven. In the night vision I saw him at the door of the temple in heaven. He came and spoke to me. He said he could not stop to talk with me because he was in a hurry. The next man I met was Father Smith; he could not talk with me because he was in a hurry. I met half a dozen brethren who had held high positions on earth, and none of them could could stop to talk with me because they were in a hurry. I was much astonished.

By and by I saw the Prophet again, and I got the privilege to ask him a question, "Now," said I, "I want to know why you are in a hurry. I have been in a hurry all through my life; but I expected my hurry would be over when I got into the kingdom of heaven, if I ever did."

Joseph said:

I will tell you, Brother Woodruff. Every dispensation that has had the Priesthood on the earth and has gone into the celestial kingdom, has had a certain amount of work to do to prepare to go to the earth with the Savior when He goes to reign on the earth. Each dispensation has had ample time to do this work. We have not. We are the last dispensation, and so much work has to be done, and we need to be in a hurry in order to accomplish it.

[Wilford Woodruff] A dream on the night of the 30th Dec 1844 (WWJ 2:492): Behold and lo in a dream I was in Council with the Martered Prophet & Patriarch & the quorum of the Twelve Apostles in America. I thought we had all got to be ordained for some purpose. I was called upon by Br Young & another person to assist in administering the ordinances. In the midst of the Council, Sidney Rigdon Came in & was objected to by Hyrum Smith.

I awoke & again fell asleep & dreamed of being in council with the Twelve & others. I made an address to them. John E. Page arose to address the meeting but was stoped by some female & was followed by Elder Willard Snow

I have recorded this dream yet I Pay but little attention to dreams that I have on ship board for I am nearly all the while in some dream while asleep on board of the ship.

[Wilford Woodruff] I was in dreams nearly all of last night. Saw A large fire, A field of green corn, repaird old tubs to hold water, ground grain for the Saints Among other things I had an interview with the Patriarch Hyrum Smith who was martered. He wished me to get a plain gold ring made of fine gold set a stone in it & put some of his hair in it & wear it, & also some of Joseph Hair. ...

Ethan Smith offers opening prayers and heads a committee at the three-day Antimasonic State Convention of Massachusetts. The committee was appointed "to inquire how far Free Masonry and French Illuminism [the Illuminati] are connected." Their report finds a '"two-fold ... horrid scheme" to destroy Christian government and religion "... they soon began to boast among themselves of the power of secret societies ... and Speculative Masonry ... as a most fit cover for [Illuminism's] occult operations."' Ethan Smith feels Voltaire's goal was to destroy Christianity through philosophy.

[Minutes of the Apostles] Bro[ther]. John Henry Smith was asked to explain the object of the meeting. He said there was a scheme on foot to disfranchise the Mormon people through an amendment to the Constitution. ...

Bro[ther]. John Henry Smith again remarked that the effect upon the people would be of extreme moment, that is, upon those liable to arrest. ... He closed by saying that it was his unqualified opinion that the church should not directly nor indirectly be found bearing the burdens of polygamists; and as for himself, he was willing to declare to a tabernacle congregation that he held himself amenable to the laws of this country, and that every man should bear his own burden, and that the fact of himself and other polygamists having lived with an maintained their plural families should not in any sense affect the liberties of the people who are not polygamists.

... Pres[iden]t. [George Q.] Cannon now remarked that he was impressed witho ne things, that is the sentiment of the brethren who had spoken could be discerned in his politics. (Bro[ther]. Grant here took exceptions to this remark.) Pres[iden]t. Cannon thought there was a question deeper than anything yet touched upon, that is, the policy the church was going to pursue in regard to our marital relations; that is, whether we should take the course suggested by Bro[ther]. John Henry, and eat humble pie; whether we will obey the law, or go on as we are now going and defend violations of the law. He thought it was bad ground for us to occupy to justify ourselves in having children by our plural wives; he thought it right and proper however for us to have children by them, but did not think it wise for us to claim the right to do so when the laws of the state were against it. Plural wives bearing children should, he thought, be placed beyond the power of the law. He believed that public feelings would be placated if we were not called upon to defend violations of the law, but regard such cases as sporadic cases. The speaker said he was satisfied that we should not come out and say we are not going to have children by our plural wives, and that nation would not expect this at our hands; and he did nto think that anything would have such a tendency to quiet public feeling so much as for men to go into court and promise to obey the law and not equivocate. He said that from the beginning he his mind was clear on this point, that we should not show the least feeling of defying the law. While we feel keenly the justice of our cause, in Washington [D.C.] that feature figures but little. Prejudice has weight. He did not think it would be a good thing for Bro[ther]. John Henry to make the public utterance suggested by him; but he did think that a course might be taken to placate the leading men of the nation. He differed from some of the speakers that we could not be disfranchised without a constitutional amendment. We were given statehood on certain conditions; and he believed prejudices could be worked up to such a pitch as to cause Congress to act by a short cut. It must be admitted by all that we have disappointed the Republican party. They admitted us with the idea that we would be at least part fo the time a Republican state. By giving the women the franchise destroyed the Republican chances in the State. Pres[iden]t. Cannon closed by saying that there certain was an impression abroad that the News was a Democratic paper, and President Snow's name as its publisher, has been used to the injury of the Republican party.

Adjourned until tomorrow.

[Source: Minutes, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1910-1951, Privately Published, Salt Lake City, Utah 2010]

[First Presidency and Quorum of Twelve minutes] Brother Richard M. Robinson, of Grantsville [Utah], called, having just returned from a mission to Florida. He exhibited a gold coin, a little larger though a little thinner than our ten cent silver coin, and containing well marked characters. He stated that this coin had been found by Brother I. N. Carlton of Casey Settlement, Camden County, Georgia, while plowing in his field at that place. It was situated on the St. Mary River, which divides Georgia from Florida. The coin was plowed up last spring, and was given to Brother Robinson in the latter part of August. He now presented it to President Snow, as head of the Church, hoping that it might be found useful in helping to establish the authenticity of the Book of Mormon, or for some other sacred purpose.

[Apostle Heber J. Grant] And now that the prospects are thin I am going to make some money I feel as desirous of the wisdom as ever, and I only want the success with the wisdom and I pray for failure with all my heart if success is not for the best in the sight of my Father in Heaven, but I will indeed be thankful if He is willing to bless me with some means. I would also be thankful if He is willing to have my brother make enough to free himself from debt.

[Brigham Young] Now concerning the organization of the kingdom of God that is brought to pass. The Savior told his disciples, as he has seen the Father do so does he, and as Joseph Smith seen Jesus Christ do so does he, and as I have seen Joseph do so do I. Then follow me and I will lead you into the kingdom and if I do not then I'll give my soul for yours. All I want you to do is to obey my council and do what I tell you. ... Before God and Jesus was the first born, or begotten of the Father, and we were sent here upon this earth to choose bodies and dwell in the flesh as our Father who is in heaven. God sent Adam first and Eve. ... But the devil being one of the organization of the heavenly body, third in power, prince of the air, he had a spirit like Cain. He saw that Jesus was the most acceptable before the Father; he loved righteousness and hated iniquity. This gave a jealousy to him and he began to accuse the brethren which soon hurled him. Adam and Eve then being sent to this earth, Satan then went forth and told Eve that she should know good and evil if she eat of it. And she did so, for he told her many truth and some lies. ... And now we are to be saviors of men of our brethren to redeem our dead friends and the friends of those who will not save their own friends, to exalt ourselves until we are all linked together again. ... Then we shall have power to create worlds ourselves and rule them as Jesus did. ... I will now give an account of the cause of the power of Satan reigning in the hearts of the children of men. They do not understand that he is the prince and power of the air. Therefore he is continually going about to seek to destroy the peace of the righteous and to gain them into his kingdom to reign with him, for if any man gives place or cause for him he will enter into him until that man or woman spews him out and casts him away from them, for Satan is a disembodied spirit who was cast out of heaven because of accusing their brethren. ... And he gets into beasts and all because they have no bodies. No, nor never will get bodies to be exalted because they kept not the first, or their first estate. Now we see if there are any possessed with devils they will froth and foam and cut themselves for they do not know what aileth them, for these spirits strive against one another trying to see who will be the greatest of them for they have no order nor organization that can reign in peace or order. Now the office of the Holy Ghost concerning the speaking in tongues and prophesying we know these things are brought to us to know that there is such a thing but we cannot tell how we know or whence they came for it is utterly impossible for us to speak these in our natural tongue. But they can be uttered by the spirit and also the interpretation is given in the same way.

[Heber J. Grant letter] Musser and Broadbent, to whom you refer in your letter of December 19, have both been excommunicated from the Church for conduct in violation of the teachings of the Church pertaining to plural marriage.

At the time when polygamy was taught by the leaders of the Church and members of the Church entered into that relationship in honor and good faith, the Government saw fit to send many of our people to the penitentiary for cohabiting with more than one wife, but the officers of the law seem to pay no attention whatever to men who are committing adultery. My only hope of crushing this pretended plural marriage activity is for the law to send some of these people to the penitentiary.

[Source: Heber J. Grant, Letter to Alonzo A. Hinckley, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1910-1951, Privately Published, Salt Lake City, Utah 2010]

Brother Carrington read a Letter to us From Capt Hooper who said "This union will be disolved within 18 month." He also read the message of the Govornor of Missippi whos recommendation to his state is that they Call a state Convention and Call upon all the Slave holding State to Form a Southern Union and seced from the North if their was a Republican President Elected in the United States.

[Oliver Cowdery to Joseph Smith] ... Your great anxiety will probably be to know of the progress of the work in the which we are <<so deeply>> engaged and possibly our souls wellfare all of which Father can make known unto you[.] it may [-] look rather strange to you to find that I have so soon become a printer ...

{Editorial Note:

... Cowdery's letter followed the discovery earlier in the month of Abner Cole's plan to publish extracts from the Book of Mormon in his Palmyra Reflector. Cowdery's mention that Joseph Sr. was planning to go "directly" to Harmony for the purpose of bringing Joseph Jr. to Palmyra/Manchester to settle the matter with Cole... Joseph Sr.'s trip, however, must have been delayed because Cole continued to publish extracts in his paper ...

[Apostle John Henry Smith] Francis M. Lyman and I spent the evening at the residence of H. B. Clawson with chief Justice Bartch. We had a long talk over the situation at Washington. Bartch says an effort will be made to disfranchise all of the Mormon people.

Spent the evening with Father [Brigham Young][.] Had a splendid time. He seems to feel well and talked over the plan for [the] next temple which he proposes building somewhere in Sanpete; and the next one in Logan[.] He says the next plan will be more expressly adapted to the labors of sealing men to men; men to women, baptisms, anointings, washings and other ordinances.

[Heber C. Kimball Revelation] I was told by the Lord that those that had Saught my hurt and had caused me to be cast off by His Servent Brigham should see sorrow and be removed out of their place. Daniel H. Wells, Albert Carrington, Joseph A. Young and others and they should be spoiled in all there Evil designs.

[Brigham Young] Had a discussion with the Pres. upon the organization of the world. President alluded to the doctrine of the resurrection. The resurrection would bring particles of our bodies together; however much they might be scattered. The Almighty could speak the word and these scattered particles of our bodies would come together. Pres. observed that naturalists have divided the kingdom into parts. This is not so, as the human species are linked to the animal and the creation to all one according to its several gradations. It is the design of the Father to continually protect us through numerous gradations to increase the intelligence of the human family for their enjoyment, even all those who yield to the teachings of the spirit and obey the law of their probation. Those who deny the Holy Ghost will return to native element and lose their identity. -- Salt Lake City

Hyrum Smith and Oliver Cowdery discover Abner Cole in Grandin's print shop on a Sunday planning to publish extracts from the Book of Mormon . It is decided that Joseph Sr. should go to Harmony to get Joseph Jr. . This event occurred before Cowdery wrote his letter of 28 December , and, at the earliest, on 6 December when Cole set the type for the 9 December issue of the Reflector, in which he promised to publish excerpt from the Book of Mormon. Cole published two issues of his paper before including a Book of Mormon extract (1 Nephi 1:1-2:3) in the 2 January issue. He probably set the type for this issue on Sunday, 27 December, which is the most likely date of his confrontation with Hyrum. Extracts from the Book of Mormon continued to appear in the Reflector on 13 and 22 January 1830.

In "A Voice From the Prophet. 'Come to Me,'" recently-slain Joseph Smith beckons Latter-day Saints to join him in heaven (compsed by William W. Phelps for the dedication of the Seventies Hall at Nauvoo where they were sung by a choir on the day after Christmas, 1844). Compare to "O My Father," composed several months later, and to the Adam-God doctrine.

Malissa Lott said: "The Prophet ... explained it to her, that it was not for voluptuous love"--yet when asked decades later if she had been his wife "in very deed," Malissa affirmed that she was. ["In Honor of Joseph Smith: An Anniversary of his Birth Celebrated in the Sixteenth Ward," Deseret Evening News, 25 December 1899, 2]

Revelation to John Taylor at Salt Lake City, Utah Territory, on 25 December 1884

A Revelation given through President John Taylor, Salt Lake City, 25th Dec., 1884.

There are some things that ought to he put right. Some time ago there was word given for the brethren and their families to put themselves in order before the Lord; and it is necessary that these things should be carried out, for there has been a negligence in some of these matters; and if my people and Priesthood desire my blessing and guidance, and protection they must and shall be subject to my law.

And it is necessary that the various quorums of the Priesthood should place themselves right before me, saith the Lord; And that as individuals they should place themselves in that position, for if they do not they have no claim upon my blessing or my protection.

A day of trouble, and anxiety and sorror [sorrow], and judgment will soon overtake this nation and other nations; it is nigh at hand, and the inhabitants of Zion must purge themselves from iniquity, folly, confusion, confusion, and vanity, and listen to and obey my laws, or they cannot have my protection, For I, the Lord, will not be mocked, but the wrong doer shall recinde [receive] the just recompense of regard [reward]; and the sinners in Zion shall be afraid; and carefulness [fraefulness] shall also take hold of the wicked and ungodly, that are in your midst.

And if you, my people, obey my law and keep my Commandments, to do them, not in name only, but in reality, I will be your shield and protector, and your strong forever [tower] and no man shall be able to hurt you, for I will be your defense.

Therefore, humble yourselves before me, and purify yourselves, that your acts and doings may be acceptable before me. For it [if] you do not you will share in the Condemnation of the wicked. Wherefor[e], listen to the Counsels of those whom I have appointed, and seek not your own will and way, But the will of the Lord your God; for by him only can you be sustained in time of trouble which is fast approaching, Even so, Amen

[Apostle Wilford Woodruff] 25 We drove to Woodruff & Stoped with Brother Hatch. We held a Meeting and Br Lot Smith, Burnham, Hatch & W Woodruff all spoke & had a good time. W. Woodruff said He did not Believe that any person who lived to see 1890 would be able to see any United States for He believed the Union would be broaken by that time. Let the Historian see if He guessed right.

[Apostle Wilford Woodruff] 25 Christmas I Called upon President Young & G. A. Smith in the morning. I attended the school of the prophets. Many Questions were asked. Presidet Young answered them.

Lorenzo Young asked if the Spirits of Negroes were Nutral in Heaven. He said someone said Joseph Smith said they were. Presidet Young said No they were not. There was No Nutral spirits in Heaven at the time of the Rebelion. All took sides. He said if any one said that He Herd the Prophet Joseph Say that the spirits of the Blacks were Nutral in Heaven He would not Believe them for He herd Joseph Say to the Contrary. All spirits are pure that Come from the presence of God. The posterity of Cane are Black Because He Commit Murder. He killed Abel & God set a Mark upon his posterity But the spirits are pure that Enter their tabernacles & there will be a Chance for the redemption of all the Children of Adam Except the Sons of perdition.

[Hosea Stout] Sunday the 25 Dec 59. This was as usual here a very happy Christmas with one exception a renconter ensued between W. A. Hickman Lott Huntington which resulted in a shooting match six men being on the side of Hickman and Lott alone some 60 shots fired[.] Hickman & Lott both wounded in the thigh[.] Hickman thought to be mortally[.] The cause not known.

[Apostle Wilford Woodruff] At about 1 oclok there was a fracus in Main Street Between Wm. Hickman & Lot Huntington. They had some difficulty about the division of some money and agreed to meet to day at 1 oclok to settle it. And after they met the difficulty was renewed & William Hickman shot Huntington. Then Huntington returned the fire. The ball struck Hickmans watch glanced down the groin broke a peace from his thigh bone & broke the ball to peaces.

Hickman was surrounded with several friends & they all Chased Huntington and shot some 30 shots at him. They followed him to George Grants House. Huntington run into the House & the rest did not go in. Hickmans Friends gathered around him. Hickman soon grew pale and said He would not give 3 cents for his life. They took him in a slay to But[cher?] House. Many were excited and run to and fro. Surgeons were sent for and they thought it doubtful about Hicksans Living.

[Hosea Stout] Monday 25 Dec 1854. This is a merry christmas here warm pleasant & cloudy day. Drunken soldiers were seen strolling the streets at an earley hour who seemed be hunting a fight to gratify the appetite which was created last saturday at the Theatre. After a small knock down with a few soldiers & our people which only served to warm the citizen blod, a large number had assembled in the streets on both sides when a general out break ensued which soon resulted an a regular melee[.] In a few moments the soldiers give ground a short distance leaving two of their number on the ground whether dead or not as yet I do not know

Both sides rallied again with sticks clubs & stonesthe work going on briskly when the soldiers introduced their guns fired some five rounds not hitting any one however at which a large number of sitizens ran home to arm. Every thing bid fair to have a general engagement. The U. S. officers present done every thing in their power to stop the soldiers and The city Marshal meantime rallied the police to restrain and disperse the now enfurriated citizens which was hapily done before many had arrived with arms otherwise it must have proved a serious day to many engaged in it.

The soldiers were immediately but in barracks (and [crossed out]) the remainder of the day. Hopkins[.] Pender, E. Everett & Brigham Young Jr were some hurt but not seriously

President Gordon B. Hinckley appears on CNN's Larry King Live, which is broadcast from the Tabernacle. Also appearing on the program are Reverend Robert Schuller, who was in Bethlehem, and South African Archbishop Desmond Tutu, who was at the National Cathedral in Washington, D.C.

[Brigham Young] In course of conversation the President alluded to the character of Emma Smith (wife of Prophet). He said he liked her now, but he would never be dictated by her. He observed to a person who alluded to her dictating course, and who he knew would tell her again, that he had heard geese cockle or howl before. He observed that Emma had tried to poison Joseph at the table and had sought to injure him in other ways. The President remarked in every instance where women were mentioned in the scriptures to have performed any remarkable thing it was where men ceased to magnify their priesthood, and the women were the smartest of the two. -- Salt Lake City

[Brigham Young] There is nothing good, virtuous, right or any thing good but is incorporated in this religion we believe in. ... I will insure there are 666 religions, then comes the child, the priesthood in the hands of Joseph.

[Source: Thomas Bullock Minutes, LJA; Thomas Bullock—LDS Church Reporter, 1844-56.C, Archives, Church History Library, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Salt Lake City, Utah.; GCM, Archives, Church History Library, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Salt Lake City, Utah..; General Church Minutes. Selected Collections from the Archives of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints DVD 1 (2002) as quoted in The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. Richard S. Van Wagoner, Smith-Pettit Foundation, Salt Lake City (2009), http://bit.ly/BY-discourses]

[William Clayton] ...Evening I went to converse with Brother [Winslow] Farr concerning D[iantha]. He and Sister Farr feels well towards me and are quite willing to give me what I ask [Diantha as a wife]. He wishes to converse with Brother Kimball and D[iantha] before he decides. Thus has my prayer been answered to the full, and my heart is full of joy and gratitude to God for his mercies to me and my house. If my heart was as pure as I desire it should be, no sin nor evil would ever be found there but I am subject to vanity.

[Source: George D. Smith, An Intimate Chronicle; The Journals of William Clayton, Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, Salt Lake City, 1995, http://amzn.to/william-clayton]

The state of Utah asks the U.S. Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals to grant a stay on Shelby's ruling. Utah County Clerk/Auditor Bryan Thompson announces Utah County will not issue same-sex marriage licenses until the court of appeals rules on the request for stay.

[President Heber J. Grant] I have pledged myself to gamble again $750.00 on Frank Taylor's gold mine in California. I am more anxious, I feel sure, to have this succeed on account of Frank Taylor than I am on account of myself. Frank has been very careless in his money affairs-a great borrower-and by having had misfortune, not able to meet his obligations, but he is a very lovable man and as true to the Gospel in his heart as many of my near and dear friends. I nominated him, when we divided the Salt Lake Stake, which included all of Salt Lake County, into three stakes, creating the Cottonwood and Granite Stakes, I nominated him for the Granite Stake President and he made a decided success of that Stake of Zion.'

[Apostle Abraham H. Cannon] This is the anniversary of the Prophet Joseph Smith's birthday, and has been set apart as a day of fasting and prayer for all the Saints throughout the Church. ... At 10 a.m. met at the Gardo House with Presidents Woodruff, Cannon, and Smith. Apostles John H. Smith, H. J. Grant, and John W. Taylor; Counselors J. W. Young, and D. H. Wells. All but the two latter dressed in their temple robes. We then kneeled down, and commencing with Bro. Wells, each of us prayed until Pres. Woodruff had his turn. Bro. Jos. F. was strongest in his prayer and urged that Baskin should be made blind, deaf and dumb unless he would repent of his wickedness. In this prayer we all kneeled with out faces in.

[Hosea Stout] This evening a considerable melee happened at the Theatre between a policeman (Thos Hall) and a soldier in which quite a number of soldiers participated and about as many on our side[.] It commenced immediately after the curtain droped.

The soldier who began it was put in the lock-up. Several attempts were made by soldiers to rescue him which however proved unseccesful and several of them were knocked down but no material injury was done to either side

[Ezra Taft Benson] Had long conference with Bro. Geo[rge] F. Richards re. temple work, temple rulings and the importance of the second or higher blessings. I am very grateful that my faithful and devoted wife and I have recently received these rich blessings. I wish more of the Latter-day Saints could receive these blessings. I feel sure there are hundreds who are worthy.

Bro[ther]. G. S. Bastian came to our house at night. We lunched and talked about the Lord's work until a late hour. He told me before I was called into the Presidency of the Stake, Pres[iden]t. Robison wrote to the First Presidency in regard to the matter, they sent apostle [Matthias F.] Cowley to our Conference. And the purpose of the latter's talk with me was was on the subject of polygamy, was to inform me of the feeling of the authorities respecting the '[Wilford] Woodruff Manifesto,' and that Apostle [Francis M.] Lyman stood alone on his construction of its meaning and was not in harmony with the rest of the Apostles upon that subject.

[Source: Journal History, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1910-1951, Privately Published, Salt Lake City, Utah 2010]

James H. Anderson has been telling me a story that for strangeness to moral straightness is a prize one. It began by my observing that these new cases of polygamy should be tried. James says that they should not ... The law of the Church, which is the law of God, is not against polygamy, and the Church will not punish polygamy. If you are forced to do wrong, it is not you who do wrong, but the one who forces you.

Reed [Smoot] received a letter, which I did not see from the Presidency, in answer to the one he sent asking that unlawful cohabitation be given up, in which he was told that he was to leave these things alone.

[General Authority Abraham H. Cannon] Abram & Geo. Q. go to Ogden to stop & visit Frank (first Utah senator). "Frank was not in the store when we entered but came in soon afterwards, and, judging from his strange actions and the smell of his breath, he had been drinking . . . my confidence in Frank received a severe shock this evening."

[William Clayton] Met with the brethren of the first quorum to pray and counsel. My wife and O[rson] Pratts wife, P[arley] P. Pratts wife and A[masa] Lymans wife was voted in [but not endowed]. We have to use the greatest care and caution and dare not let it be known that we meet.

[Source: George D. Smith, An Intimate Chronicle; The Journals of William Clayton, Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, Salt Lake City, 1995, http://amzn.to/william-clayton]

Presidents Lorenzo Snow, George Q. Cannon, and Joseph F. Smith were at the office.

President Cannon informed President Snow that he desired to pay a certain amount on account of tithing, but he did not have the money, and therefore proposed to pay it in Grand Central Mining stock at six dollars a share.

President Snow hesitated, for the reason that he did not know the value of such stock.

President Cannon remarked that he did not have to pay it, perhaps, but in order to satisfy his feelings he felt that he ought to do so.

President Snow answered that he did not see why President Cannon should pay tithing unless it was a tenth of his income.

President Cannon explained that his practice had been, whenever he was in a tight place, to overpay his tithing, and he had found that in doing this he had been prospered.

President Snow: "Then, President Cannon, you make the Lord your debtor, and obligated to you".

President Cannon: "No, not in that light."

After further talk on the subject President Snow said that he should leave such matters to President Cannon himself, as he knew what to do, and did not need any counsel from him.

President Smith, however, saw no reason why the Church should not receive President Cannon's tithing in this stock.

Last Thursday [i.e., December 21, 1899] I went to Salt Lake and had the pleasure of laying before President [Lorenzo] Snow my ideas regarding a trip to South America. ... appointed another meeting with me at 3 p.m. At this second meeting there were present Presidents Snow, [George Q.] Cannon and [Joseph F.] Smith, and Apostles [Francis M.] Lyman Brigham Young [Jr.] and John Henry Smith. After fully explaining matters and answering the many questions put to me, I was authorized by vote to organize my party.

[Source: Benjamin Cluff Jr. Diary, December 24, 1899, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1910-1951, Privately Published, Salt Lake City, Utah 2010]

[Apostle Rudger Clawson] There was some talk as to the propriety of the brethren of the Twelve being authorized to marry our people by the sealing ordinance in Mexico. It was the mind of the President, and the sense of the meeting that it be done. It seemed to be the mind of President Snow that an endowment house be provided for Mexico and points in the south.

[Abraham H. Cannon] I slept very well during the night. On arising I found my foot so sore that I could not wear my shoe; it is a gathering on the heel of my left foot, and together with the gathering I have on my left hand, which is still very bad, makes me think of the afflictions of Job, and wonder if these things are on purpose to try me; if so I hope I will be able to endure them.

[Apostle Wilford Woodruff] President Young said a Letter was received by Musser by the last Mail from Brother Gibson who was on his mission to England saying while travelling on a rail road they had a Collission with another train and mashed up the engine and care that he was in & yet not a soul was hurt. As they walked out of the ruins one man said there must be some man of God on that Care by which they were saved. Brother Gibson remarked it was in fulfillment of prophecy for Brigham Young said when He Blessed me that I should go in safety by rail road & steemboat and this is in fulfillment of his Blessing.

The question was asked Presidet Young if he did not think the Nations were inspired to go North as Columbus was to find this Continent. President Young said they have had vary bad luck at it. No they are not inspired ownly by there own desire to open a North west passage to China. Some think it is to open the way for the 10 tribes but it is not so. The Nations will have Nothing to do with preparing the way for there return. But when the time has Come for there return the Lord will do the work. They are on a portion of Earth seperated from this globe in the North which Cannot be seen from this Earth and when the time Comes the Lord will unite their land with ours & prepare the way for there return.

President Young said there was an exertion made to separate the union without war but it Cannot be done. The union Cannot hold together but a few years. It must soon part. The southern people have more fears of there own servants than anybody els. Many other remarks were made.

Joseph Smith arrives in Philadelphia, returning to Nauvoo in February. Benjamin Winchester would later accuse the Prophet of fathering a child with a "Miss Smith (Hannah Dubois Smith) during his stay. Winchester alleged that Joseph arranged for her to marry Philo Dibble to cover it up. However that marriage didn't occur until twelve months after Joseph left the East and Hannah and Philo's first child was not born until eleven months after the marriage.

[Apostle Abraham H. Cannon] During our meeting a revelation was read which Pres. Woodruff received Sunday evening, Nov. 24th. Propositions had been made for the Church to make some concessions to the Courts in regard to its principles. Both of Pres. Woodruff's counselors refused to advise him as to the course he should pursue, and he therefore laid the matter before the Lord. The answer came quick and strong. The word of the Lord was for us not to yield one particle of that which He had revealed and established. He had done and would continue to care for His work and those of the Saints who were faithful, and we need have no fear of our enemies when we were in the line of our duty. We are promised redemption and deliverance if we will trust in God and not in the arm of flesh. We were admonished to read and study the Word of God, and to pray often. The whole revelation was filled with words of the greatest encouragement and comfort, and my heart was felled with joy and peace during the entire reading. It sets all doubts at rest concerning the course to pursue.

[Apostle Franklin D. Richards] [Gardo House Council meeting] A revelation received by Pres[iden]t WW on Sunday Nov 24 was read giving to those now first hearing great joy as it did the others who heard when first given.

[Apostle John Henry Smith] The following brethren met in Council: W. Woodruff, J. F. Smith F. D. Richards, H. J. Grant, J. W. Taylor, A. H. Cannon, J. W. Young and myself. We had prayers and Bro. Woodruff had Bro. L.J. Nuttall read a revelation the Lord had given him in which we his servants were told to remain true to our coilors and he would protect his little flock. How happy I am.

Orson Pratt taught:âœBy and by an obscure individualâ¦proclaimed the startling news that God had sent an angel to himâ¦ This young man, some four years afterwards, was visited again by a holy angel.â

[William Clayton] ...Read 2 letters from Elder Woodruff to President Young concerning [apostle] W[illia]m Smith and G[eorge] J. Adams showing that they are in opposition to the Twelve and have collected money in the east for the Temple and have used it. There are warrants out for them in N[ew] York and Boston and all seems confusion and sorrow wherever they go.

[Source: George D. Smith, An Intimate Chronicle; The Journals of William Clayton, Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, Salt Lake City, 1995, http://amzn.to/william-clayton]

In answer to the questions submitted by you in your letter of December 15, we are pleased to give you the following information:

1. 'Should a person who is sick be anointed with oil more than once a day?' No.

2. 'If the Elders are called in several times a day during severe illness, what should be the procedure when they have been called to administer to them?' The Elders should bless them by virtue of their Priesthood, but frequent administrations are not necessary.

3. 'Should oil be drunk that has been consecrated; if not, what are the objections?' There is no objection to one who is ill taking consecrated oil internally if he or she desires to do so. The drinking of the oil has no connection whatever with the administration ordinance, however.

4. 'Is it advisable to drink olive oil that has not been consecrated, as a cure or help in sickness?' Olive oil, whether consecrated or not, is generally considered a very good remedy. Many people claim to have avoided surgical operations by drinking olive oil. However, in cases of severe illness one should not drink olive oil except upon the prescription of a physician.

[Source: Heber J. Grant and David O. McKay, Letter to Alfred Fallows, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1910-1951, Privately Published, Salt Lake City, Utah 2010]

[Carl A. Badger] I just told the Senator [Reed Smoot] that I was discouraged with the Church leaders, and that unless something was done I did not know what the effect would be upon the young people'that is, something must be done with those who have violated the pledge against the taking of new wives. The Senator answered, 'Nothing will be done; I believe they were authorized to take the wives.'

[Source: Carl A. Badger Diary, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1910-1951, Privately Published, Salt Lake City, Utah 2010]

Judge Zane denied the People's Party [of the church] mandamus against the Salt Lake City registrars, some of whom were charged with crooked work in their official capacity, calculated to harm the People's Party and favor the Liberals at the approaching election.

While in Rexburg [Idaho], Bro[ther]. Whitney said, a young couple called to see him named Bergner. The young woman had been a plural wife of Bro[ther]. [former apostle] M[atthias]. F. Cowley, whom he married in 1905, the result of this union being one child. She had since left Bro[ther]. Cowley and married Bergner. They told Bro[ther]. Whitney that Bro[ther]. Cowley had spoken to Pres[iden]t. Austin, asking him to see that this child was baptized in his own name, that of Cowley and not Bergner, but Bro[ther]. and Sister Bergner wanted the name of the child changed, and in fact they had had him baptized under the name of Bergner and confirmed under that name, he having been baptized in one ward and confirmed in another. Bro[ther]. Whitney said he told them he could not give any council regard to this matter.

President Smith now raised the question of the right of Bro[ther]. M[atthias]. F. Cowley to claim Sister Bergner's child, she not having been sealed to him by the authority of the Church.

On motion of Bro[ther]. Joseph F[ielding]. Smith Jr., seconded by Bro[ther]. Talmage, the council sustained the claim of the mother, that the child belonged to her, and that she therefore had the right to call it after her name. ....

Apostle H[eber]. J. Grant submitted the propriety of the leading businessmen of our city signing a resolution approving the Manifesto or the Official Declaration [regarding blood atonement] of the First Presidency and Twelve, and that this be done soon. This was approved and Brother Grant was requested to see that the matter is gotten into shape and attended to without delay. It was also suggested that the People's party manager get up their meetings and pass suitable resolutions as suggested at a previous meeting by Brother J. W. Pike, and that the mass meetings of the citizens on this same subject should be held.

[Source: First Presidency Office Journal, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1910-1951, Privately Published, Salt Lake City, Utah 2010]

In response to your request, I am pleased to furnish the following explanation:

The Corporation of the President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is a corporation sole, organized under the laws of the State of Utah for religious and charitable purposes. The President of the Church is the corporation. It has no Board of Directors nor other officers. Since my official position as President of the Church constitutes me the Corporation of the President, I am therefore fully empowered to conduct the business of the Corporation, which includes depositing funds at any bank and withdrawing same by check or order.

[Source: Heber J. Grant, Letter to W. H. Hayne, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1910-1951, Privately Published, Salt Lake City, Utah 2010]

[George F. Gibbs to Bishop Lorin Merrill] [S]hould another such case arise in your ward, or come within your personal knowledge, they hope you will be emphatic in warning against it, in the understanding that there can be but the one way of dealing with such a violation of the action of the Church on the question under consideration, namely, contraction of plural marriages, and that is excommunication.

[Patriarchal Blessing of Samuel RosKelley by James G. Willie] ... thou art of Ephriam through the loins of ElKanah, and Ephrathite, and of Samuel his son. And inasmuch as thy great grogenitor [progenitor] was called upon to administer unto the Great High Priest so that great influence which he enjoyed to administer unto the Holy of the Holies and wait upon Eli the great High Priest and became great and mighty in the things of God, that has descended unto thee for his blood permeates in thy veins. ... the Lord will bless thy progenitors, they have a watchful eye over thee, and the day will come, and that not very long, when your progenitors will visit you, when they will reveal unto thee the full links of thy ancestry, according to the geneology [genealogy] of the Priesthood as it has been handed down from the days of Adam. And those eho have not had the opportunities that you and I have had to live in this great gospel day, they shall be redeemed, they shalt stand forth upon Mount Zion as a Saviour, of the true and living God. ... for thy eyes shall sparkle as living diamonds, that every power within its grasp shall fall before thee. ... and some must "bite the dust" and lay down their lives for the testimony of Jesus Christ as they have done in ancient days. ...

Joseph Smith say that Adam was the Ancient of Days spoken of by Daniel ... you do not give up your priesthood Adam heard the voice of the Lord walking in the garden. Adam had a God then...

Cain heard the voice of the Lord who enquired after Abel-

referred to Peter Jas & John conferring the Mel Prt on Jos Smith Moses who conferred the spirit of gathering - Elijah the sealing of the fathers & when we get to God our Father we are told to approach him in the name of Jesus Adam is the father of our bodies who is to say he is not the Father of our spirits.

[Apostle Wilford Woodruff] I dreamed at night that President Taylor was sealing all in the Church Plural marriages to them that wished it. We met in the Council of the 12. I thought the glory of God rested upon us and we done all our work openly and the government had no power over us and we rejoiced together.

Two piece garment introduced. The most dramatic recent change was the two-piece garment in 1979. In a letter to Church leaders dated December 15, 1979, the First Presidency announced the introduction in February 1979 of two-piece temple garments. The new style garments were offered in addition to, and priced about the same as, the regular one-piece variety. No explanation for or description of the new garments was given.

First Presidency of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, First Presidency Statement [on blacks]:

In view of confusion that has arisen, it was decided at a meeting of the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve to restate the position of the Church with regard to the Negro both in society and in the Church.

First, may we say that we know something of the sufferings of those who are discriminated against in a denial of their civil rights and Constitutional privileges. ...

In revelations received by the first prophet of the Church in this dispensation, Joseph Smith (1805-1844), the Lord made it clear that it is âœnot right that any man should be in bondage one to another.â ...

It follows, therefore, that we believe the Negro, as well as those of other races, should have his full Constitutional privileges as a member of society, and we hope that members of the Church everywhere will do their part as citizens to see that these rights are held inviolate. ...

However, matters of faith, conscience, and theology are not within the purview of the civil law. The first amendment to the Constitution specifically provides that âœCongress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof.â

The position of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints affecting those of the Negro race who choose to join the Church falls wholly within the category of religion. It has no bearing upon matters of civil rights. In no case or degree does it deny to the Negro his full privileges as a citizen of the nation.

This position has no relevancy whatever to those who do not wish to join the Church. Those individuals, we suppose, do not believe in the divine origin and nature of the church, nor that we have the priesthood of God. Therefore, if they feel we have no priesthood, they should have no concern with any aspect of our theology on priesthood so long as that theology does not deny any man his Constitutional privileges.

A word of explanation concerning the position of the Church.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints owes its origin, its existence, and its hope for the future to the principle of continuous revelation. ...

From the beginning of this dispensation, Joseph Smith and all succeeding presidents of the Church have taught that Negroes, while spirit children of a common Father, and the progeny of our earthly parents Adam and Eve, were not yet to receive the priesthood, for reasons which we believe are known to God, but which He has not made fully known to man.

Our living prophet, President David O. McKay, has said, âœThe seeming discrimination by the Church toward the Negro is not something which originated with man; but goes back into the beginning with Godâ¦.

âœRevelation assures us that this plan antedates manâ™s mortal existence, extending back to manâ™s pre-existent state.â

President McKay has also said, âœSometime in Godâ™s eternal plan, the Negro will be given the right to hold the priesthood.â

Until God reveals His will in this matter, to him whom we sustain as a prophet, we are bound by that same will. Priesthood, when it is conferred on any man comes as a blessing from God, not of men.

... We have no racially-segregated congregations.

... But we believe that this work is directed by God and that the conferring of the priesthood must await His revelation. To do otherwise would be to deny the very premise on which the Church is established.

We recognize that those who do not accept the principle of modern revelation may oppose our point of view. We repeat that such would not wish for membership in the Church, and therefore the question of priesthood should hold no interest for them. Without prejudice they should grant us the privilege afforded under the Constitution to exercise our chosen form of religion just as we must grant all others a similar privilege. They must recognize that the question of bestowing or withholding priesthood in the Church is a matter of religion and not a matter of Constitutional right.

... Meanwhile we must strive harder to emulate His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, whose new commandment it was that we should love one another. In developing that love and concern for one another, while awaiting revelations yet to come, let us hope that with respect to these religious differences, we may gain reinforcement for understanding and appreciation for such differences. They challenge our common similarities, as children of one Father, to enlarge the out-reachings of our divine souls.

[Thomas Clawson] The [Reed] Smoot investigation was resumed in Washington [D.C.] on Monday. Brother George Reynolds Mrs. Mina Cannon Ellis J. H. Wallis August Lundstrom and John Nicholson have testified. Wallis and Lundstrom are both Apostates and they have revealed the signs, tokens and pen[a]lties of the Temple. It is most shocking to read of these things but he devil has his agents who are working as hard as they can to destroy the work of the Lord but in this they will fail.

[Benjamin Cluff, BYA (BYU) President] Last Friday [i.e., December 15, 1899] we held a special fast day in behalf of the school [i.e., Brigham Young Academy]. .... talked to them about a proposed scientific tour or expedition through Mexico, Cenetral America and South America. They were much interested and wanted me to bring the matter up before Pres[iden]t. [Lorenzo] Snow.

[Source: Benjamin Cluff Jr. Diary, December 17, 1899, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1910-1951, Privately Published, Salt Lake City, Utah 2010]

Brothers J. G[olden]. Kimball and J[oseph]. W. McMurrin, of the First Council of Seventies, having been invited to go into business for the Mutual Life Insurance Company of New York, with which concern their associate, Elder Rulon S. Wells, was already engaged under permission of the First Presidency, given last April, they now desired to know the mind of the Presidency upon their own case.

Brother Grant remarked that he could see no reason why they should not be left at liberty to enter into such an engagement. He also said that he felt there was an excellent opportunity to establish a Home Life Insurance Company among ourselves, and he heartily favored such an institution.

President Snow invited the brethren to express themselves on this subject, whereupon President Cannon said that he was against life insurance as a general proposition, but that he would favor a local organization. He could foresee, however, that if the Church were to engage in anything of that kind, it would invite attacks upon it by its opponents.

Brother Grant suggested that individual names might be used in behalf of the Church. He showed how money could be made in the business, stating that he himself had made as much as $1500 in three days. He would take delight in canvassing for a Church institution, free of charge. He showed that the risks among our people, who were more moral than others, would not be so great as those that other companies carried. Moreover, it would have the effect of keeping money at home.

Brother John W. Taylor reminded the Council that the only thing which induced our people to join secret organizations was to get the benefit of reduced rates of life insurance; and Brother Grant remarked that his brother, B[enjamin]. F. Grant, had told him that from personal experience he knew of nothing so potent as an influence to wean away the feelings and destroy the faith of our young men, as membership in these secret organizations.

President Snow observed that as this was a new idea to the Council, he thought each member might ponder it over for himself and discuss it further at some other time.

Meantime, it was asked, what should be done with the request of Brother Kimball and Brother McMurrin. Brother Grant moved that a committee be appointed to consider the question of the Church going into the business of life insurance, and that these brethren wait for an answer until that committee had reported. The motion was seconded by Brother Clawson and carried. President Snow then named Joseph F. Smith, Francis H. Lyman, John Henry Smith, Heber J. Grant, and Anthon H. Lund as the committee. ...

[Source: Journal History, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1910-1951, Privately Published, Salt Lake City, Utah 2010]

[Ezra Taft Benson] Regarding his father's mission call to Europe, at a church farewell on December 14, 1964 Reed Benson complained that his father had been "`stabbed' in the back." The Twelve's president was present to hear the younger Benson's remark that his father's mission call was a back-stab.

Nine days later, Joseph Fielding Smith wrote: "I am glad to report to you that it will be some time before we hear anything from Brother Benson, who is now on his way to Great Britain where I suppose he will be, at least for the next two years.

[President Heber J. Grant] I made up my mind, after talking to a number of the Brethren yesterday, to recommend at our meeting today that Sister May Green Hinckley be made Superintendent of the Primary Association General Board. I called and saw Brother B.S. Hinckley and told him what I was going to do. I called up his wife and congratulated her, and then I called and told May Anderson, Superintendent of the Primary, that we had decided upon Sister Hinckley. I had a telephone message from J. Reuben Clark, Jr. He gave his endorsement of Sister Hinckley. Brother David O. McKay called me last night on the telephone. I had called him from the office telling him I was in favor of Sister Hinckley and he said, 'I think you are making a mistake. She is not well enough educated for that important position.' When I got home he called and said, 'I am a hundred per cent for Sister Hinckley. I got the wrong Hinckley in mind.' I was very glad indeed to have this endorsement. Sister Anderson was very much pleased with the selection of Sister Hinckley.

[George F. Richards] I had a private conversation with Pres[ident]. Francis M. Lyman in which I expressed the thought that it would be well for members of our Council of Twelve who have but one living wife to have some good dead women sealed to them while they are here and can look after their own interests as I have done, and perhaps Pres[ident]. Lyman could present it to these members in a way that they would take no offense. I would have my brethren avoid the disappointments which must follow neglect of opportunity.

[First Presidency Office Journal] A brief synopsis of the Manifesto [regarding blood atonement] of the First Presidency and Twelve was published in the Salt Lake Herald this morning. Upon which brother W. B. Dougall called and thought it would now be proper to have the whole Manifesto published in the Deseret News and Salt Lake Herald. President [George Q.] Cannon gave instructions to send the Manifesto for publication. It was handed to Brother C[harles]. W. Penrose who called.

[Source: First Presidency Office Journal, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1910-1951, Privately Published, Salt Lake City, Utah 2010]

[Apostle Heber J. Grant] [At the funeral of Emily Partridge Young] Brother Joseph F. in his remarks to-day bore a wonderful strong testimony as to the devotion of Sister Young and others who had been sealed to the Prophet Joseph Smith as plural wives. He also bore a powerful testimony as to the rightfulness of plural marriage and the inspiration of almighty God to the Prophet Joseph Smith in restoring the same to the earth. He testified to the eternity of the marriage covenant. Referred to the fact that he looked upon me as his cousin, my mother having been sealed to the Prophet Joseph Smith for eternity. His remarks were very powerful indeed and delivered under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit.

[Apostle Heber J. Grant] On account of the many disappointments ... to those on the underground it is almost impossible for a person to make his plural wives think that he cares as much for them as he should.

[Apostle Brigham Young Jr.] Bro[ther] W[oodruff] talked of Gov[ernor] Fords death, and the fulfillment of the curse pronounced upon him by Elder John Taylor. He died after the flesh had shrunken and he was buried as a pauper. This was the man who suffered the prophet to be slain at Carthage.

Official declaration of Church on "Blood Atonement" Capital Punishment, Civil Liberty, Loyalty to the Government of the United States--...

OFFICIAL DECLARATION. Salt Lake City, December 12th, 1889. TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN:

In consequences of gross misrepresentations of the doctrines, aims and practices of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, commonly called the "Mormon" Church, which have been promulgated for years, and have recently been revived for political purposes and to prevent all aliens, otherwise qualified, who are members of the "Mormon" Church for acquiring citizenship, we deem it proper on behalf of said Church to publicly deny these calumnies and enter our protest against them.

We solemnly make the following declarations, viz:

That this Church views the shedding of human blood with the utmost abhorrence. That we regard the killing of a human being, except in conformity with the civil law, as a capital crime which should be punished by shedding the blood of the criminal, after a public trial before a legally constituted court of the land.

Notwithstanding all the stories told about the killing of apostates, no case of this kind has ever occurred, and of course has never been established against the Church we represent. Hundreds of seceders from the church have continuously resided and now live in this Territory, many of whom have amassed considerable wealth, though bitterly hostile to the "Mormon" faith and people. Even those who have made it their business to fabricate the vilest falsehoods, and to render them plausible by culling isolated passages from old sermons without the explanatory context, and have suffered no opportunity to escape them of vilifying and blackening the characters of the people, have remained among those whom they have thus persistently calumniated until the present day, without receiving the slightest personal injury.

We denounce as entirely untrue the allegation which has been made, that our Church favors or believes in the killing of persons who leave the Church or apostatize from its doctrines. ...

We declare that no Bishop's or other court in this Church claims or exercises the right to supersede, annul or modify a judgment of any civil court. Such courts, while established to regulate Christian conduct, are purely ecclesiastical, and their punitive powers go no further than the suspension or excommunication of members from Church fellowship. ...

Utterances of prominent men in the Church at a time of great excitement have been selected and grouped, to convey the impression that present members are seditious. Those expressions were made more than thirty years ago, when through the falsehoods of recreant officials, afterwards demonstrated to be baseless, troops were sent to this Territory and were viewed by the people, in their isolated condition, fifteen hundred miles from railroads, as an armed mob coming to renew the bloody persecutions of years before.

At that time excitement prevailed and strong language was used;...

We also declare that this Church does not claim to be an independent, temporal kingdom of God, or to be an imperium in imperio aiming to overthrow the United States or any other civil government. ...

[Apostle Heber J. Grant] At our meeting this afternoon. We approved of the Manifesto to be signed by the Apostles declaring that there is nothing in the Endowments that is treasonable or contrary to good citizenship in this Republic.

[Apostle Wilford Woodruff] At the Close of the Meeting I was informed that one of my Children was nigh unto death. It had Been sick about one week. It was Delights youngest Child. I returned home & administered to it & it revived But was vary low through the night.

[Apostle Wilford Woodruff] 12th Thursday It blew a gale from the South West. We shiped some heavy stern seas. Broke in all the Stern windows. Filled the first Cabin with so much water that the trunks & baggage was all afloat. Destroyed much of the baggage of the passengers. Some water came into our cabin but no damage done the first & second cabin. Was on deck towards evening. The sea was piled up like mountains. When we were in the troth of the sea waves would arise at our stern as high as the top of the mizzen mast & seemed almost impossible for the ship to arise soon enough to save the sea from breaking over her. But she was 1,000 ton ship & a clean & fast sailor. She carried at this time little or no sail.

We were all vary sick, yet we would spend a few moments in viewing the wild, romantic, terrific, grand & sublime scenery that surrounded us in the wonders of the deep. Elder Holmes was quite sick & said he never beheld such a sight before.

[Brigham Young sermon to the School of the Prophets] He said A Bill of Divorce that is given to many is no Better than a peace of Blank paper. A woman who is sealed to a good man who bears the Priesthood if that man honors that Priesthood if that woman leaves him of her own accord & she is sealed to a dozen other men the first man will hold her in the resurrection if he wants her unless she should be sealed to a Man of a Higher Priesthood. Then he would [ ] her...

Some ordinances Cannot Be given without A temple. All Children Born Before Parents are Sealed to [at] the Altar will have to be sealed to their Parents in order to make them Legal heirs. Those who are Born after the parents are sealed are legal heirs. Men also will have to be sealed to Men untill the Chain is united from Father Adam down to the last Saint. This will be the work of the Millennium & Joseph Smith will be the Man to attend to it or to dictate it. He will not administer in person But He will receive his resurrected Body & will dictate to those who dwell in the flesh & tell what is to be done for He is the Last Prophet who is Called to lay the foundation of the great Last dispensation of the fullness of times.

Some have thought it strange what I have said Concerning Adam But the period will Come when this people of faithful will be willing to adopt Joseph Smith as their Prophet Seer Revelator & God But not the father of their spirits for that was our Father Adam.

Many questions are asked about divorces. I will say that many men & women want to be sealed that should not be for they will not stay together. But if I was to stop it there would be a fuss. Now what is to be done? They will be sealed & then they will separate. Some give them Bills of divorce. I Charge Nothing for sealing But I Charge $10 for Bills of divorce. If they will Break the Commandmts & make me Break them they shall Pay $10 for [it].

Presidt Joseph Young asked Presidet Young if He was Justified in giving these Bills of Divorce. Presidet Young says yes I am. I do not force them to separate. I give them good Council & tell them what to do. No man has a right to put away a wife Except for adultry But when a woman will leave a man against his will He does not put her away; but she puts herself away & he that Marries her Commits adultery as James Says. I am Justified in giving these Bills of Divorce for they will separate against my Council & the woman takes the responsibility upon herself & not me.

President Young said in relation to Joseph Smith returning the Plates of the Book of Mormon that He did not return them to the Box from wh[ence?] He had Received But He went [1 m/in?] a Cave in the Hill Comoro with Oliver Cowdry & deposited those plates upon a table or shelf. In that room were deposited a large amount of gold plates Containing sacred records & when they first visited that Room the sword of Laban was Hanging upon the wall & when they last visited it the sword was drawn from the scabbard & [laid?] upon a table & a Messenger who was the keeper of the room informed them that that sword would never be returned to its scabbard untill the Kingdom of God was Esstablished upon the Earth & untill it reigned triumphant over Evry Enemy. Joseph Smith said that Cave Contained tons of Choice Treasures & records.